Sheriff Ray Compton was shot and killed while he and two deputies attempted to serve warrants on a man for illegally operating stills and selling liquor.

   They were met at the door of the farmhouse by the 18-year-old wife of the suspect, who stalled while her husband ran upstairs before he fired twice, striking Sheriff Compton.

   The 35-year-old suspect escaped but later died by suicide after being involved in a shootout with Cincinnati, Ohio, police officers. At the time Sheriff Compton was killed, the suspect was wanted for several homicides committed in Iowa and Missouri.

   Sheriff Compton, from Rushville, was in his second, two-year term and survived by his wife, 15-year-old daughter, parents, two brothers and sister. One of his brothers, who was a deputy, was appointed sheriff to serve the remainder of his brother's term.